There are many styles of yoga and usually the differences are about emphasis on: strict alignment of the body, breath and movement coordination, flowing from one asana (posture) to another, or holding the asana. Yoga is a personal preference and not one style is better than another. Teacher-student relationships are more important than the style of yoga. Many benefits come from all styles of yoga such as: flexibility, strength, muscle tone, relaxation for the mind and body, calms and gives focus to the mind, increases body awareness and so much more. To help you decide what is right for you here is a brief explanation of some of the different styles of yoga:
Ashtanga yoga is not for beginners or someone who wants a slow approach to becoming fit. Also known as Power Yoga, Ashtanga yoga is a serious workout involving intense yoga asanas through a series of flows in a fast paced heated environment. The focus here is to build flexibility, strength and stamina. Ashtanga yoga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois.
Anusara yoga is a new style of yoga developed John Friend. Anusara yoga is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring and based on a deep knowledge of inner and outer body alignment. The various abilities and limitations of each student is honored and deeply respected.
Bikram yoga is taught in a hot environment usually at temps of 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It will help with flexibility for it was designed to warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons. You perform a series of 26 asanas in a hot, fast paced environment. Be prepared to sweat. Bikram yoga was developed Bikram Choudhury.
Chinnamasta yoga is a great union of Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Qi Gong and some Tantric elements (see descriptions for Hatha, Kundalini and Tantra below. Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese discipline, involves a series of exercises concentrating on breathing, meditation, gentle movements and visualization that works on the vital energy that flows through the body). This union of four gives you a class that helps with strength, flexibility, muscle tone, body/mind connection, healing oneself, and relaxation. A total union of body, mind and spirit. You will receive a nice workout and yet an excellent relaxation period. Chinnamasta Yoga was developed by Richard Carballo.
Hatha yoga is a good place to start on a yoga path. Hatha yoga brings union “of the pairs of opposites.” Hatha yoga, in Indian tradition, is one of four main traditions of Tantra Yoga. It concentrates on the practice of asanas, breath control (pranayama), and energizing the subtle channels (nadis). The objective is to remove obstacles and progress with sense-withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and balance. Hatha yoga brings health and energy to the body and mind.
Integral yoga emphasizes breathing, meditation and asanas. Developed by Swami Satchidnanda, the man who taught the original Woodstock crowds to chant “Om”. Integral yoga is being researched to reverse heart disease.
Iyengar yoga focuses on precise skeletal alignment of asanas with the aid of props like blocks, cushions, belts and straps. It works with subtle movements and adjustments; this yoga is great for improving balance and flexibility and also for rehabilitation of an injury. Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Kripalu yoga puts great emphasis on breath and alignment. You learn to coordinate the breath and the movement and you work only to your limits. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga. One: focuses on postures and learning their bodies’ abilities. Two: developing concentration and inner awareness by holding the asanas for an extended period of time. Three: meditation in motion where the movement from one asana to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.
Kundalini yoga was brought to America by Yogi Bhajan from India in 1969. Kundalini yoga focuses on the controlled release of Kundalini energy through the awakening of the Chakras. This yoga involves classic asanas, breathing techniques, coordination of breath and movement, mantra, and meditation. Kundalini yoga focuses on higher consciousness and greater flexibility.
Sivananda yoga is a great beginner’s yoga. It involves twelve asanas, breathing exercises, mantra and relaxation. Sivananda yoga was developed by Vishnu-devananda.
Svaroopa yoga teaches different ways of doing familiar asanas, emphasizing the opening of the spine. Svaroopa yoga incorporates the principles of asana, the anatomy and philosophy of yoga, and the development of transcendent inner experience, this is a consciousness-oriented yoga and it promotes healing and transformation.
Tantra yoga draws on all sciences – astronomy, astrology, numerology, physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy, psychology, mathematics and so on. The goal is to expand awareness in all states of consciousness, being in an awaken state or a sleep (dream) state. Tantra yoga teaches how to refine your thoughts and feelings and you learn to create peace, order and harmony within yourself. Tantra yoga focuses on breathing exercises, contemplation, visualization techniques, mantra yoga, and physical and ritual cleaning.
Whatever style sounds good to you, find a studio and go to a class. You’ll probably wish you had done it sooner.
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